Aquarabia is the Middle East’s largest water theme park and one of the flagship attractions at Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s 360 km² entertainment megaproject southwest of Riyadh. Opened to the public on April 23, 2026, the park spans over 250,000 square metres and features 22 rides and attractions across eight immersive themed zones — four of which hold world records. Whether you are building a wider Saudi Arabia travel itinerary or planning a dedicated day trip from Riyadh, Aquarabia delivers a genuinely world-class water park experience that justifies the trip on its own.
Best Time to Visit: October to April (cooler months; the park is outdoors)
Getting There: 45-minute drive from central Riyadh via King Khalid Road; future Riyadh Metro Line 7 extension planned
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa
Budget: SAR 275–325 per adult (~$73–87 USD); children SAR 200 (~$53 USD)
Must-See: Junoon Drop (world’s tallest water coaster), Aquaticar underwater ride, Surftopia surf pool
Avoid: Arriving at gate without pre-booking — online tickets are 15% cheaper and guarantee entry
What Is Aquarabia?
Aquarabia is Saudi Arabia’s first purpose-built water theme park, developed by Qiddiya Investment Company (wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund) and operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation — the American theme park giant’s first venture outside North America. All 22 rides were designed and delivered by WhiteWater West Industries, the Canadian water ride manufacturer, which built four record-breaking attractions for the park.
The park sits adjacent to Six Flags Qiddiya City, the theme park that opened on December 31, 2025, and home to Falcons Flight — the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. Together, the two parks form the entertainment core of Qiddiya City, a Vision 2030 megaproject that will eventually include a Formula One circuit, a Dragon Ball theme park, a Mercedes-AMG experience centre, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Aquarabia’s Eight Themed Zones
Aquarabia is organised into eight themed zones, each inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural wildlife and desert landscapes. The zones range from high-adrenaline thrill areas to relaxed family spaces and dedicated children’s play zones.
The Den
The park’s main gateway zone where guests arrive, collect wristbands, and access retail shops and food outlets. The Den sets the tone with immersive theming that transitions visitors from the Qiddiya desert landscape into the water park world.
Wave Wadi
Home to Amwaj Bay, the park’s main wave pool, complete with DJ booth and music programming. Waves cycle through different intensities, and the pool’s shallow entry point makes it accessible for families with younger children.
Camel Rock
This zone houses Junoon Drop, Aquarabia’s flagship ride and a world-record holder. The Camel Rock zone also features a walk-through cave experience with glowing rocks, misty pathways, and musical water features — an atmospheric detour between rides.
Herding Grounds
An adventure zone featuring KayaXtreme (kayaking through rapids and obstacles) and Colossal Canyon (a hybrid experience mixing hiking, sliding, swimming, and rappelling). Activities here require separate tickets.
Arabian Peak
The high-altitude thrill zone, home to Jump Jolt (cliff-diving free-falls from various heights) and Jamal Joom, the world’s longest and tallest mat racer at 232 metres.
Surf Lagoon
Contains Surftopia, Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool, powered by WhiteWater’s Endless Surf technology. The pool generates customisable waves suitable for beginners through to experienced surfers. Surftopia requires a separate booking.
Viper Canyon
The most thrill-focused zone, featuring Slithereel (a 360-degree spinning SlideWheel — the world’s longest of its type), Hyper Viper (a Shoot the Chute group raft ride), and the Aquaticar Legend of the Glowing Guardians — the world’s first underwater Aquaticars ride, built by Sub Sea Systems, which takes guests through a mythical lost city in submarine-style vehicles.
Dhub Grotto
The children’s zone, anchored by Splash Grotto — the world’s largest water play structure, with 181 interactive elements and 10 slides. SplishSplashSploosh (a splash pad for toddlers) and ZipZapZoom (five small slides with lighting effects) round out the youngest visitors’ options.
Every Ride at Aquarabia: The Complete List
The park features 22 rides and attractions. Four hold world records (claimed by WhiteWater, pending independent verification), and one is a world first.
| Ride | Type | Key Stat | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junoon Drop 🏆 | Family Master Blaster water coaster | 42+ metres tall, 12-storey drop, 7-person dry rafts, 50 km/h | Camel Rock |
| Jamal Joom 🏆 | Mat racer/blaster | 232 metres long, 22-metre launch, 6 lanes with timing system | Arabian Peak |
| Jamal Rush 🏆 | Body slide (AquaLoop + Flatline Loop) | 27-metre drop — world’s tallest body slide drop | Arabian Peak |
| Slithereel 🏆 | SlideWheel (360° spinning) | World’s longest SlideWheel | Viper Canyon |
| Aquaticar ⭐ | Underwater submarine ride (world first) | Sub Sea Systems vehicles through mythical lost city | Viper Canyon |
| Hyper Viper | Shoot the Chute group raft | 15-metre height | Viper Canyon |
| Wadi Tahaddi | Spinning Rapids Ride | 600 metres of course, 6-person boats | Wave Wadi |
| Jump Jolt | Cliff-diving free-fall | Multiple height options | Arabian Peak |
| KayaXtreme | Kayaking rapids | Separate ticket required | Herding Grounds |
| Camel Racers | Tube race | Turns, splashes, light effects | Camel Rock |
| Raft Republic | Group raft ride | Wild waves, unpredictable twists | Camel Rock |
| Colossal Canyon | Hybrid adventure | Hiking, sliding, swimming, rappelling | Herding Grounds |
| Surftopia | Surf pool (Endless Surf tech) | Customisable waves, all skill levels; separate ticket | Surf Lagoon |
| Amwaj Bay | Wave pool with DJ | Multiple wave intensities | Wave Wadi |
| Splash Grotto 🏆 | Water play structure | 181 interactive elements, 10 slides — world’s largest | Dhub Grotto |
| SplishSplashSploosh | Toddler splash pad | Gentle water play for young children | Dhub Grotto |
| ZipZapZoom | Small slides with lights | 5 slides for young adventurers | Dhub Grotto |
| The Lazy Camel | Lazy river | Scenic route with Tuwaiq Mountain views | Surf Lagoon |
| Rahaqua | Relaxation retreat | Peaceful zone within the park | Surf Lagoon |
| Camel Rock Cave | Walk-through experience | Glowing rocks, mist, musical water features | Camel Rock |
🏆 = World record holder ⭐ = World first
Ticket Prices and How to Book
Tickets are available online through the official Aquarabia website or at the gate on the day. Booking online at least five days in advance secures a 15% early booking discount, and prices are lower than walk-up gate rates across all categories.
| Category | Online Price | Gate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+) | From SAR 275 (~$73 USD) | SAR 325 (~$87 USD) |
| Child (4–11) | From SAR 200 (~$53 USD) | Available at gate |
| Infant (0–3) | Free | Free |
| Senior (60+) | From SAR 75 (~$20 USD) | Gate only |
| People with disabilities | Discounted rate | Gate only |
Add-Ons
- Annual Pass: SAR 1,200 (~$320 USD) — unlimited visits for one year
- AquaFast Pass: From SAR 310 — priority queue access for major rides
- Surftopia: Separate booking required on top of general admission
- Herding Grounds activities: KayaXtreme and Colossal Canyon require additional payment
- Six Flags Qiddiya City — the theme park next door, featuring Falcons Flight (world’s tallest roller coaster at 200+ metres), Sirocco Tower, Gyrospin, and 28 rides total. Named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026.
- Qiddiya Speed Park — an FIA Grade 1 circuit under construction that will host Formula One racing.
- Dragon Ball Theme Park — the world’s first Dragon Ball-branded theme park, under development within Qiddiya.
- Mercedes-AMG World of Performance — an automotive experience centre planned for the site.
- Six Flags Qiddiya City Guide — Complete visitor guide to Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking theme park next door
- Boulevard World Riyadh — Riyadh’s immersive entertainment zone with themed international districts
- Riyadh Kids’ Activities — The best family-friendly attractions and days out across the capital
- Winter Wonderland Riyadh — Seasonal entertainment zone with rides, shows, and food
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
Tip: Book online at least 5 days ahead to save 15%. The AquaFast Pass is worth it on weekends and holidays when wait times for Junoon Drop and Slithereel can exceed 60 minutes.
Opening Hours and Ladies-Only Day
Aquarabia is open seven days a week, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The park operates year-round, though the outdoor setting means summer months (June–September) bring temperatures above 45°C — manageable in the water but intense between rides.
Fridays are Ladies-Only. On Fridays, only women and young children are admitted. The dress code is relaxed on Ladies-Only days: one-piece swimsuits are permitted alongside standard swimwear. On Saturday through Thursday (mixed days), the standard dress code applies — sleeveless, knee-length swimwear minimum for women; board shorts minimum for men.
What to bring: Your Iqama or National ID (required for entry verification), swimwear (or buy on-site from the park’s 7 retail outlets), reef-safe sunscreen, and waterproof phone cases. Lockers and cabana rentals are available inside the park.
Cabanas, Food and Facilities
Aquarabia has 91 private luxury cabanas available for booking — a smart choice for families who want a shaded base with dedicated service throughout the day. The park also has 24 food and beverage outlets spread across all eight zones, serving everything from quick-service burgers and shawarma to sit-down meals and fresh juices.
Seven retail stores within the park sell swimwear, accessories, towels, and souvenirs — so if you arrive unprepared, you can kit out on the spot.
Getting to Aquarabia
Aquarabia is located within Qiddiya City, approximately 40–45 km southwest of central Riyadh. The drive takes around 47 minutes via major highways, and the park has on-site parking with EV charging stations.
By Car
From central Riyadh, head southwest on King Khalid Road toward Al Moqbel. Qiddiya City is well signposted from the main highways. Ride-hailing services (Uber and Careem both operate in Riyadh) can drop you at the park entrance, though finding a return ride at closing time can be competitive — consider pre-booking.
Future Public Transport
Riyadh Metro Line 7 is planned to extend to Qiddiya City, with the first phase targeted for 2026. A dedicated Qiddiya High Speed Railway with three stations has also been announced. When operational, these will transform access to the park. For now, driving or ride-hailing are the practical options.
Flying In
International visitors fly into King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh’s main airport, which receives direct flights from Dubai, London, Cairo, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, and dozens of other cities. From the airport, Qiddiya is about a 55-minute drive. You will need a Saudi tourist e-visa, which can be obtained online before departure.
Best Time to Visit Aquarabia
The park is outdoors in the Riyadh desert, so timing matters. October through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 35°C — warm enough to enjoy the water without the punishing midday heat of summer.
During Riyadh’s summer months (June–September), temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. The water keeps you cool while on rides, but walking between attractions and queuing can be gruelling. If you visit in summer, arrive right at opening (12:00 PM) and prioritise the shaded zones and cabana bookings.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr bring altered schedules and heavy crowds. Aquarabia’s grand opening was timed for Eid al-Fitr 2026, and future Eid periods will likely be the park’s busiest weeks. Book well in advance and consider the AquaFast Pass if visiting during holidays.
Combining Aquarabia with Other Qiddiya Attractions
Aquarabia is one piece of a much larger entertainment city. If you are spending more than one day in the Qiddiya area, consider combining your visit with these neighbouring attractions:
Qiddiya City is projected to attract 17 million visitors annually by 2030 and will eventually house 500,000 residents. For now, Aquarabia and Six Flags are the anchor attractions, and a full day at each is realistic.
Tips for Visiting with Children
Aquarabia is genuinely family-friendly, not just as a marketing label. The Dhub Grotto zone is purpose-built for children, with Splash Grotto’s 181 interactive elements keeping younger visitors occupied for hours. SplishSplashSploosh is designed for toddlers, with gentle water features and zero height requirements.
For families with a mix of ages, the Camel Rock zone works well — Junoon Drop accommodates 7-person rafts (families can ride together), while the Camel Rock cave walk-through entertains younger children who aren’t ready for thrill rides.
Tip for families: Book a cabana early. With 91 available, they provide shade, storage, and a base for the group. Children under 3 enter free, and the SAR 200 child ticket (4–11) is reasonable by regional theme-park standards. For more ideas on visiting Riyadh with kids, see our Riyadh kids’ activities guide.
What Aquarabia Means for Saudi Tourism
Aquarabia is a flagship project within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy away from oil dependence. The Qiddiya megaproject, backed by the Public Investment Fund, aims to create 325,000 jobs and position Saudi Arabia as a global entertainment and tourism destination. Six Flags’ decision to operate Aquarabia — its first international park — signals confidence in the Saudi market.
For visitors planning a broader trip, Aquarabia fits naturally into a Riyadh-based itinerary alongside the Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, Boulevard World, and Diriyah Gate. The park also reinforces Riyadh’s case as a destination in its own right — not just a transit point to Jeddah or AlUla.
Practical Information Summary
| Address | Qiddiya City, southwest of Riyadh (adjacent to Six Flags Qiddiya City) |
| Opening Hours | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, seven days a week |
| Ladies-Only Day | Friday |
| Adult Ticket (online) | From SAR 275 (~$73 USD) |
| Child Ticket (online) | From SAR 200 (~$53 USD) |
| Annual Pass | SAR 1,200 (~$320 USD) |
| Parking | On-site, with EV charging |
| Total Rides | 22 (4 world records, 1 world first) |
| Themed Zones | 8 |
| Cabanas | 91 luxury private cabanas |
| Food Outlets | 24 |
| Operator | Six Flags Entertainment Corporation |
| Developer | Qiddiya Investment Company (PIF) |